Should You Use a Textbook to Teach Legal Research?

43 Pages Posted: 18 May 2011 Last revised: 17 Dec 2012

See all articles by Nancy P. Johnson

Nancy P. Johnson

Georgia State University College of Law

Date Written: 2011

Abstract

Legal research professors have struggled with the question of assigning and using a text in class. Since there are many excellent legal research texts available, instructors may feel their students need a safety net of a printed textbook. For professors who decide to use a textbook, this article includes reviews of selected current legal research texts. On the other hand, professors may believe that many students do not read their legal research texts and prefer teaching without a textbook. Instead, they may use a series of web sites, PowerPoint slides, tutorials, podcasts, and electronic texts. The article also discusses student reaction to a legal research class at Georgia State University College of Law that does not use a textbook.

Keywords: legal research, legal bibliography, legal education, bibliographic instruction, education, textbooks

JEL Classification: I20, I29, K00, K10, K19

Suggested Citation

Johnson, Nancy P., Should You Use a Textbook to Teach Legal Research? (2011). Law Library Journal, Vol. 103, Summer 2011, Georgia State University College of Law, Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2011-14, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1844584

Nancy P. Johnson (Contact Author)

Georgia State University College of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 4037
Atlanta, GA 30302-4037
United States

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